Recent content by newbee mechanic

Could be the tires. I had a problem with my old car. It was a squeek between the tire and rim. Minor problem, left it alone. Went away when I got new tires. Try rotating with rear to check.

I just got mine done as well, and as I was doing this, I figured, theoretically, the belt could be changed at any of 360 degrees / 8 cylinder, positions, as long as the cams and crank are in right alignment, right? But they have timing marks which can only align in one spot, which they call...

OK, I just checked Wikipedia and I got myself straight. What I meant to say was. "Amount of gas used per unit distance(mpg) to overcome air resistance will quadruple every time you double speed." So, I guess in terms of power. If you are going 100 mph and your engine is doing full power at...

If I remember my physics correctly, energy used to fight air drag grows exponentially as speed increases. That is because air drag is basically caused by the need to accelerate air molecules out of the way. The faster you are moving, the more acceleration needed, energy use then grows in an...

Draft diagonally behind a semi(preferably one driving at 55), the same way birds fly when migrating. You can really feel the draft sucking you forward. Yes, use another lane, and block traffic. Block those Tahoes & BMWs speeding in the fast lane, you are doing them a favor, saving them fuel...

For anybody that may be interested. I just drained my coolant as part of the timing belt change. I got some pictures, for future reference. Here is the DS block drian cock, above the oil pan. Less than a gal drained. Here is the PS drain cock, symetrically in same spot as the DS but hidden...

My horn is working intermittently. Seems to work if I press the top right. Very inconsistent if I press elsewhere (center, left, right bottom). Some background, might be relevant. I have a broken telescoping motor. I removed it, to adjust the position manually. Left it off and noticed the horn...

I have a 06 Lexus GS300, the new cars have this release valve to let the oil out first via a drain cock. I did the oil change on it myself for the first time and it was fused. I had to just unscrew the filter cartrige canister and oil spilled all over. The oil filter access lid was missing...

Changed at 80K after 8years. But, come to think of it, my starter contact had to be replaced a few months later. Had I replaced the starter contacts first, maybe the battery could have gone a few more? I wonder? I'm so cheap.

I only saw 1 spreadclip on all 4 of my calipers when I did my pads, so most likely only 1 each to begin with.

Given the distinguished panel of respondents, no sealant it is. I feel lot better, not using it actually. Yes, I will use sealant on the inlet housing. spressomon, I already got the starter contacts replaced out of necessity. Thanks to you. Your FAQ writeup is what I followed. The...

I've read all the threads on the subject (Extremely helpful) I've got the FSM pages. I 've got all the parts. And I have the tools. But I have one nagging question. To use or not use gasket sealant on the water pump? The gasket already seems to have some sealant on it. The FSM...

Oh and btw, $20 bucks says, they are going to ask you to replace the brake pads and resurface the rotors after you get there. The fluid should be bled at 30k anyway, but the pads, they really depend on how you drive, you can go down to 1mm with no problem. As for the rotors, if they do...

Granted my LX has only seen smooth paved roads and never been exposed to deep water, I repacked at 100k for the first time, and the grease seemed just fine, could still see the orginal green color. The bearings and race was in perfect condition as well. My 2 cents worth.

My experience, with NJ Lexus Dealers .... *Dealer refused to replace only the brake fluid and insisted on changing pads also. I refused because I new the pads would be good for another couple(50% left at the time). I am easy on the brakes. They relented. *They wanted to charge...